Chapter 80
80:
The moment Linsey met Collin’s gaze, her mind flashed back to what had happened earlier in the study. She pressed her lips together and quickly said, “I’ll go make something for you to eat.” Since he had actually listened to her advice and come out for breakfast, she felt obligated to keep her word and cook for him.
But as soon as she turned to leave, Collin caught her wrist firmly.
“Let the staff handle breakfast,” he said.
She froze for a second before replying, “But I promised to make it for you. It won’t take long.”
Before she could say anything more, he pulled her forward with unexpected force, and the next thing she knew, she was sitting on his lap.
His presence overwhelmed her senses, his warmth and strength pulling her in. Startled, she instinctively tried to stand.
But Collin’s grip on her waist tightened, keeping her locked in place. The realization that the butler was still in the room made a fresh wave of embarrassment crash over her. She pressed her palms against Collin’s chest, pushing lightly in an attempt to free herself.
Sitting on his lap in broad daylight—what would people think?
Not that it would be any more acceptable at night.
Her face burned hotter at the thought. Were they even close enough for this? Being in a man’s lap like this was completely unfamiliar territory. Her body tensed, unsure of how to react.
“Sit still,” Collin commanded, his voice calm but firm, making it clear he wasn’t letting go. He could feel her hesitation, her resistance, but he had no intention of relenting.
She bit her lip, lowering her gaze, debating whether she should say something. Collin’s hand pressed lightly against her back as he leaned in closer. His deep, velvety voice brushed against her ear. “Be good.”
Her heart pounded so hard she was sure he could hear it. His words sent a fresh wave of heat through her, leaving her even more flustered. The butler, watching their obvious closeness, felt a quiet satisfaction. With a knowing smile, he quickly came up with an excuse to leave. “Oh dear, the breakfast on the table has gone cold. I’ll have them warm it up.”
gαℓησν𝒆𝓁s․cо𝗺, your storytelling home
Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away briskly, giving them the privacy he assumed they wanted. Seeing how affectionate they were, he figured it wouldn’t be long before they started preparing for a baby.
With the butler gone, the room fell silent, leaving only Linsey and Collin. The absence of others meant they wouldn’t be disturbed anytime soon. Collin held Linsey close, acutely aware of how soft she was in his arms. She felt so delicate that he worried for a moment—if he held her any tighter, would she break?
His gaze drifted downward, landing on her lips, slightly swollen from where she had bitten them.
“You hit my chin earlier. Does it still hurt?” he murmured.
Her eyes flickered away, and she answered in a barely audible voice, “I’m fine…”
Collin caught her reaction, her obvious shyness, and found it oddly intriguing. She had been in a relationship for five years with her ex—surely she had shared moments more intimate than this?
“Why are you so nervous?” His gaze locked onto hers, his tone slow and deliberate. “Don’t tell me you’ve never kissed another man before.”
Linsey’s already uneasy expression froze, her body stiffening even more. The memory of their closeness in the study resurfaced instantly, and a fresh wave of embarrassment swept through her. She hesitated, then blurted out stubbornly, “W-what? Of course, I’ve kissed others before.”
Collin studied her flushed, delicate face, his sharp gaze catching the way she faltered. A knowing smirk tugged at his lips. She was lying, and not very well.
.
.
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